File Size Increased

[Guest]

I was adding a few queries and reports to an existing table. I also modified
a form, but nothing major in my opinion. I didnt add any info in the table.
For some reason, my file size jumped from 2,404kb to 26,126kb. Is there a
reason why it jumped this much simply by adding a few bits of information?

Thanks!

 

[Allen Browne]

Access makes a temporary copy of the form, so it does typically increase the
database size whenever you modify an object.

You may be able to pack to back again by choosing Compact/Repair under
Database Utilities on the Tools menu.

If you added a graphic image to your form, that would explain the jump in
size.

You probably want to turn off Name AutoCorrect, as it can add to this
problem as well. More info:
http://allenbrowne.com/bug-03.html

 

[Guest]

This did compact it somewhat, but it is still 16,000kb, which is 8 times the
size of the database before I edited it. The big issue with the size is that
alot of employees access this database from home, and those who use dial-up
get timed out before it completes downloading.
I went back into a copy of the enlarged file, and deleted everything I have
done in the last week, and I was able to get it down to 10,000kb. I must have
done something to increase the size by that much.

Thanks!

 

[Allen Browne]

Another way to get it back to size is to have Access rebuild it for you. A
decompile might also help.

1. Uncheck the boxes under:
Tools | Options | General | Name AutoCorrect
Explanation of why:
http://allenbrowne.com/bug-03.html

2. Compact the database to get rid of this junk:
Tools | Database Utilities | Compact

3. Close Access. Make a backup copy of the file. Decompile the database by
entering something like this at the command prompt while Access is not
running. It is all one line, and include the quotes:
"c:\Program Files\Microsoft office\office\msaccess.exe" /decompile
"c:\MyPath\MyDatabase.mdb"

4. Open Access, and compact again.

5. Create a new Access database:
File | New
Immediately uncheck the Name AutoCorrect boxes.

6. Import everything from the old database:
File | Get External | Import

7. Open a code window.
Choose References from the Tools menu.
Uncheck any references you do not need.
For a list of the ones you typically need in your version of Access, see:
http://allenbrowne.com/ser-38.html

8. Still in the code window, choose Compile from the Debug menu.
Fix any errors, and repeat until it compiles okay.

If your users are just taking a copy of the file, you could zip the file,
which will typically reduce its size to 1/4 (unless it uses encryption.) Or,
they may be able to configure their modem software to use compression.